The price of Success

It was another happy home-coming for young Tayo, of a truth his sleepless nights and diligence had paid off. He came out tops in the entire school, with outstanding results. Ever since his admission to the university, it has been all business and no pleasure for this young man, all he has been pursuing from day one, was academic excellence. And now, after his final exams and results, he gets to return home, to share the great news with his family.

Things had never been easy for Tayo's family. From a young age, he learned the importance of hardwork, such that he seldom played games like other children, infact he had very few friends both at home and in school. Tayo's Father used to be a Carpenter, until the day he fell from a rooftop while working and broke his ankle. This accident maimed him for life, as he now limps while walking, and can barely stand or walk for long hours. Tayo's Mother used to be a full-time housewife, but ever since the tragic incident, she shuffles between being a housewife and being a trader. She sells mostly anything she can lay her hands on, from fruits, bags, shoes, clothes, and any other thing that will bring little profit. Her motto has always been "One day, good things will come".

Tayo's Mom has always been his inspiration, and the two of them share a special bond, that goes beyond mother and child relationship. She was his closest companion, and not a day passed by, that Tayo did not sit in his Mother's bossom, enjoying her gists, and cuddles. Whenever he saw his mom struggling to take care of himself and his father, he would shake his head in pity and say to himself "One day, I will relieve her of this burden". And in times like these, he would bury himself into his books, reading and learning all his hands can reach. Tayo had a flair for academics, and always topped in class right from primary, to secondary School. Infact it was his outstanding performance that made him recieve a scholarship to go study abroad. The joy and happiness on the face of his parents knew no bounds that day, both of them were so proud of their only child, such that they saw him off to the airport on the day of his departure, and didn't return home until the plane had gone out of sight in the clouds. Ever since that fateful day, neither Tayo nor his parents, have been able to see each other face to face. And now, 5 years later, the time has come for the scholar to return home, after completing his degree.

"Hello! Where's my one-and-only Mama?" Tayo announced as soon as he got to the door of their little home. Before he could knock a second time, his mom opened the door and threw her arms around him, forcing him to drop his bags on the floor outside, to embrace her as well. "My boy is now a man oooo, honey come and see how this boy has grown", she said. Tayo's father then slowly walked, limping as usual, to meet his son. He hugged him as well, though not as emphatically as his wife did. "Welcome home my boy, I always knew you would look like me when you grow up", he said. Tayo smiled and took up his bags to proceed into the house. His mom couldn't contain her joy, she kept asking questions like, "So how has school been treating you? Who did you live with over there? Did you learn foreign language? I heard things are expensive there, how did you manage? We're you working? Did you make any friends...." And Tayo kept answering her questions with the shortest phrases possible, like "yes mummy, no ma, the scholarship covered that ma, it's God they saw me through ma....". It wasn't until his father became annoyed and barked at his wife to let the boy rest a little, that his mom quit interrogating him.

"Come and eat ooo, your food is on the table", Tayo's Mom called out few minutes later. Tayo left the project he was working on, to go eat his meal. Such was his determination to succeed, that he didn't even think of resting after the long journey. "So tell us about your school, hope all is well", Tayo's Mother resumed her questioning. Tayo then went ahead to break the good news to them, how he came out tops in the whole school, and will be going back soon for the graduation ceremony. His mom shouted for joy, his father only looked up with open palms and said a short Thanksgiving prayer to God. They didn't expect him to be done with school so soon. After the meal, Tayo retreated to his room, to continue working on his project. His Mom came by, humming a Christian song and dancing as she came, still overjoyed at the news. Tayo smiled, and then told her that she should come by at another time, that he's in the middle of very important work. She patted him on the back and then left the room, still humming as she went.

The next day, very early in the morning, Tayo's Mom came to his room, to see him. He barely noticed her presence, as he was about putting the final touches on his breakthrough project. "Good morning Tayo", His mother asked from where she had been standing for close to a minute. Tayo mumbled a greeting in return. The enthusiastic and happy look on his mom's face suddenly turned gloomy, that certainly, was not the welcome she expected. She silently left his room, and went to prepare breakfast. Tayo stayed in his room throughout that morning until afternoon. And as soon as he got out of the room, he took his bath and went out in a haste. His mom stared at him as he was leaving, and then turned to look at the bowl of food she had kept for him on the dining table, since morning. She silently left to the kitchen, with a worried look on her face. Tayo came back that evening with all smiles, and was so tired that as soon as he finished his dinner, he went to his room and slept off before anyone had a chance to engage him in a conversation. The next day, his mom went to his room again to ask him if there's anything the matter, since she hasn't had the opportunity to connect with him since his return. "Tayo, talk to me, what's going on?" She asked in a very worried tone. "Mama I'm very busy for now, I'm working on something that will change our lives", Tayo replied. And before she could say anything else, he left for the bathroom, and soon after, zoomed off.

It wasn't until later in the day, that Tayo's mom got to understand why her son wasn't having time for her the way he used to. Upon his return, Tayo revealed to his parents that the research project he had been working on, has just earned him a huge cash award in millions, as well as a potential job at a multinational company. His father almost fell down while trying to jump up at this news, but his mom was unmoved. "Mama, did you hear me? I said we are literally millonaires now", he said to his mom. "Hmmm, thank God", she replied nonchalantly. "I'll be receiving the award and cash price tomorrow, and also deliberating where and when I'll be employed, with the company. Things are finally going to change for better Mama", Tayo said with ecstasy in his voice. This time around, it was Tayo's Father that was doing the humming and dancing all around the house. He even called some friends on phone, to share the testimony with them. Tayo retreated to his room, to prepare for the big day ahead, and do some study work as well. His mother came again, with slow, sad steps. "Tayo, won't you rest a little bit? You have achieved so much already, at least a little break won't kill. Ever since you came back, I've been unable to have any time at all with you. It's like I don't even matter to you anymore", his mom said. "Mama, you are my inspiration now, don't you remember how you struggled to take care of me and Daddy? Now it's my turn", Tayo replied. "Yes I know, but even then I never neglected either of you, I would always talk with you, cuddle you and give you attention as my baby boy. You are all I have besides your father, and for five years I haven't set my eyes on you until now. There are some things and feelings that money can't replace. I love spending time with you. For God's sake you're my only son, Tayo". His mother said, this time her eyes welling up with tears. Tayo didn't have any more words to reply her with, he simply stood up, hugged her and then continued with his work. His mom knew at this point that Tayo was ready to give up everything and anything, to achieve success, all to make her and her husband happy. If only he knew that she cherished his presence, love and attention more than money, of only he knew that it was his laughter and funny smart talks that motivated her to be the super mom she was then, if only he knew that no amount of money can replace the feeling of those mother-child cuddles, if only he knew that one day she will pass on, and only these memories of her will be left behind.

As she left his room, she took one last look at her son before closing the door, and thought to herself "Truly he will achieve all things with this attitude, but he may never experience the most lovely things in life. I pray his eyes are opened before it's too late".